Noble character is best appreciated in those ages in which it can most readily develop.
Candor and generosity, unless tempered by due moderation, leads to ruin.
Laws were most numerous when the commonwealth was most corrupt
A bitter jest, when it comes too near the truth, leaves a sharp sting behind it.
Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit, because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure
This I hold to be the chief office of history, to rescue virtuous actions from the oblivion to which a want of records would consign them, and that men should feel a dread of being considered infamous in the opinions of posterity, from their depraved expressions and base actions.